Eastern Connecticut homeless face frigid weather

NORWICH — Andrew Regets was clad in three layers on Friday, helping to stave off subzero temperatures that can cause frostbite or hypothermia in those exposed to them.

While he’s not homeless, Regets’ Broad Street apartment offers barely any refuge from the biting cold.

“My place feels like it’s a place outside. I got no heat,” Regets said from within the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen on Cliff Street.

Across New London County, service providers such as Norwich’s Human Services Department and the Roman Catholic Diocese’s ministry have mobilized to find emergency housing for the region’s homeless while focusing on diversionary programs that have placed many people in stable living situations over the past year.

“We’re doing our very best to make sure our patrons are safe. It’s a coordinated effort between Norwich and New London,” said Julie Way, a St. Vincent de Paul Place case manager.

Last winter, Norwich officials chose to shutter the city’s 10-year-old “no-freeze shelter,” an overnight sanctuary in the Buckingham Memorial that was open from late October through April, in favor of a “rapid rehousing” initiative that places economically vulnerable people in residences of their own.

“If we put them in an apartment, they are there 24/7. It reduces a lot of things we would have to do for them, and it makes them more independent,” said Lee-Ann Gomes, supervisor of social work in the city’s Human Services Department.

Since Nov. 1, Gomes said, the city has screened 66 people for shelter services, and found alternative housing for 44 of them. That’s compared to 81 people reviewed last year.

But during frigid weather like this week’s, officials are preoccupied by an influx of requests for beds at local shelters. The massive Nor’easter claimed at least 13 lives as it swept across the eastern part of the country Thursday and Friday, according to The Associated Press.

“On days like this, we’ve been packed,” said Kenton Robinson, community engagement manager for the New London Homeless Hospitality Center. The State Pier Road facility — with an admission list of 65 as of Friday — provides “coordinated access” with Norwich, meaning patrons can be accepted into the shelter after clearing local screening processes.

Michael Cook, of Oakdale, came to the shelter in mid-November after losing his condominium in a foreclosure. He was laid off in 2009 from his job at a lumber company after 22 years.

“It’s a darn good thing they built this place,” Cook said. “It’s comfortable enough. It’s not my home. It’s where I’m staying.”

Norwich officials were prepared on Friday to open Kelly Middle School as a community warming center, but there was no need to activate it. Gomes said such efforts are not aimed at just those who are homeless.

“The city has emergency plans in place for everybody. What if you’re a person at home whose furnace gave out? It’s not just for homeless guys,” she said.

Residents staying in New London are vigilant about watching out for others, even referring them to services and facilities when they can.

“It’s horrible to think about somebody trying to keep warm with a blanket in their tent. It’s just too cold,” said Margaret Kosloskey, who lived in Norwich for two years but came to New London in November from Pawcatuck. “I feel bad for people who are not here.”

As a blast of cold air entered the lounge area as people left the building on Friday, Cook said he was grateful for a warm bed and central heating.

“I don’t even care to think about that,” he said in response to a question about where he’d be without the shelter.

Over a hot lunch of beef noodles and soup at St. Vincent de Paul, Norwich resident Milledge Williams was appreciative for the safe haven.

“These people have been a blessing. The fact this place exists and these people dedicate their lives to helping people is incredible,” he said.